- /...Where am I...?/

Such was the first thought that crossed Kellyn's mind when he opened his eyes again. He looked around the room for a long time before realizing that he was in his room at the Union. It was hot, very hot.

Probably because he was bundled up in his blanket or maybe the heating was on? Probably both.

When he sat up, his whole body twisted in pain causing him to moan breathlessly.

- Ouch, ouch, ouch....! Ugh...

The teenager felt something fall from his forehead, and caught the object mid-flight, not without difficulty.

-...A towel?

He also noticed that he was wearing a different outfit, consisting of a black long-sleeved t-shirt and a gray tracksuit... If you look closely, he was floating a bit in these clothes.

-...That's n-not mine. *cough* *cough*....

He coughed for a moment, struggling to catch his breath. It gave him a slight headache in the process. He began to gently massage his temples, in an attempt to soothe the pain.

-...Okay...Let's try to s-tand up...

The brunet then began to slowly get out of bed, ignoring his tremors the best he could. Suddenly, the door opened, revealing the 12th Top Ranger carrying a tray full of healing items. He wasn't wearing his uniform, moreover, but rather house's clothes, making the youngest assume that we were supposed to be in the evening.

Their eyes met, instantly petrifying them. The redhead almost dropped his load when he understood that his friend was awake. He then put his tray in a safe spot before throwing himself on the younger teen.

The latter jumped slightly when he felt the oldest hurriedly place his hands on his burning cheeks.

- You're awake...! Oh thank Arceus, you're awake!

His crimson pupils were shedding a torrent of tears, while his face contorted in both relief and pain. Kellyn had never seen such an expression on the other boy's face, and it hurt him. It hurted him so much.

Keith then shifted his position, gently wrapping his arms around the fragile body of the teal-eyed one. His embrace was warm, powerful, but also tender.

- I-I...I'm glad you're alive...! So glad...

His voice cracked with practically every word, despite the fact that he was trying to keep his composure....A huge feeling of guilt filled the youngest, he shouldn't be making his friend cry...

-...I...I was so scared...You don't know how scared I was....Your body...It was s-so cold....So injured...I...I thought you weren't going to wake up...!

He slowly ran his hand through the brown hair, grimacing as he felt the various wounds in his path. He then tightened his grip, surprising his friend.

-...For the love of Mew, what did they do to you...?

The 11th Top Ranger stared at him for a moment, before whispering:

-...S-Sorry...

- Hum?

- I'm sorry. I-I...It's my fault...*cough*...I-I...-

He was interrupted by the one with crimson pupils who had gently placed his forefinger against his frozen lips.

- Shh...Shut up Kell. I'm begging you, shut up....

The older teen sighed before cradling his friend against him, creating a cocoon of warmth and protection.

-....You know that you've been in this state for more than 2 weeks, huh? 2 weeks where you hardly moved... 2 weeks where I was worried sick...

His body was shaking with sobs spiraling out of control, further breaking the brunet's heart.

-...We almost lost you. Your body was so frozen it was almost beyond saving. Luckily, you were able to be saved...And I can't thank Arceus enough for that.

He paused, slowly catching his breath. He watched his comrade's face contort with grief, pain and guilt. His gaze softened considerably.

-...I know that you put Almia's safety first, to the point of neglecting your health. It's...Admirable. But....Please think about yourself. It's already the second time you almost lost your life...!

The teal-eyed one bit his lips as he clenched his fists before looking at the other boy straight in the eye.

- And let those who c-count on me die, or be h-hurt? No way in Hell...! *cough* *cough*!!...I-It's my duty as a Ranger t-to...Protect Almia and it's people....I-I'm ready to d-die if I h-have to...! *cough*...!

The teenager caught his breath painfully, also hoping to calm his huge headache.

-...I...I understand y-your point of view, K-Keith...I d-don't want to die either. B-But...As R-Ranger...We h-have to be prepared to d-die. I-It's our j-job...

He coughed yet again quite violently, forcing him to move away from his comrade a little so he could breathe. Once his cough subsided, Kellyn glanced at the other boy. He was crying silently, his mouth slightly open.

-...Keith...?

The teen suddenly took his friend in his arms, enclosing him in a protective but somewhat shaky embrace.

-...Kellyn...You idiot...! A soft-hearted idiot, that's what you are! Always thinking of others, without worrying about yourself....Ready to sacrifice your life if necessary....By Arceus, we don't deserve you...!

His cries redoubled in intensity, making the younger Ranger panic, as he tried to comfort him.

- I-I...Listen to me, please....*gulp*...I...I don't want you to die. I know you're right about the risks of our job but....Please....Don't take it for granted. I'm begging you....Keep living. It's selfish, I know, but...!

He was interrupted in his monologue when he felt cool lips gently touch his forehead. The redhead looked up, noticing that the teal-eyed one was crying while giving him a sweet smile. The oldest blushed gently at this observation.

- I'll do m-my best.

- Huh...?

- I'll do my best to live....So that this s-situation doesn't happen again. It's a promise- N-No, an oath. So p-please...Don't cry...

The brunet dried his comrade's tears with his thumbs with a tender gesture, ignoring those that were streaming down his own cheeks.

-...Shh....~ It's o-over now....I'm here....I'm here...C-Calm down...Shh...~

The owner of the crimson pupils blinked for a moment before giving his friend a wide, goofy smile. The latter emitted a weak sigh of relief in return.

-...Damn, sorry you saw me like this Kell...You shouldn't have-

- C-Comforted you? Why?

The other teenager clenched his fists while looking away. He seemed uncomfortable.

- *sigh*...Let me g-guess. You've always been taught that boys shouldn't c-cry, right?

Keith gasped in surprise, thereby confirming the 11th Top Ranger's theory.

- How did you...?

- I-I was very often mocked about t-that during my childhood. And e-even more since m-my adolescence...

He shuddered in disgust at the mere mention of that fact.

-...It was very often my t-teachers who "called me to order"...Saying that a "b-boy like me shouldn't t-throw a tantrum".. .Except that sounded w-wrong...Why are g-girls allowed to break up, but not b-boys? What's t-the difference...? I still don't know...

The brunet gently took his friend's clenched hands in his, and began massaging them gently.

- But what I know from a reliable source is that we a-are all living beings....Beings with a c-consciousness and emotions...It's n-normal that at some point...W-We let go. *cough* *cough*...

He paused a little, taking the opportunity to observe his comrade who was listening to him in a religious silence.

-...W-We do it while crying. Some like me are t-true crybabies...Others like you, p-put up with it. Everyone sees this as a moment of w-weakness, which i-is true in a way. But, p-personally I think it's because we stayed s-strong for too long...

He suddenly laughs a bitter laugh, making his interlocutor frown.

-Even i-if c-crybabies like me h-have no excuse....I-I always cry for a yes or a n-no anyway....*cough*

He giggled as if he had just told a joke which, however, given Keith's expression, was most certainly in bad taste.

- A-All this to say that y-you don't have to apologize. Especially when it's b-because of me that y-you started crying in the f-first place...

The teenager then let go of his friend, before looking at him straight in the eye, a reassuring smile on his lips.

- So, d-don't worry about it, okay? *cough* *cough*...!

He began to cough violently again, to the point that he nearly choked. Luckily, the older boy gently patted his back to help him out a bit. While the youngest's cough subsided, the 12th Top Ranger took the opportunity to retrieve the tray he had abandoned earlier.

-...Kellyn...Thank you.

The redhead knelt in front of the teen, his gaze reflecting determination and gentleness. He added in a low voice:

- It's my turn now....Let me take care of you, okay?

The brunet accepted the proposal without complaining too much, because he knew full well that one: Keith was far too stubborn to leave him without care. Two, his body was far too weak to recover from this chilling experience on it's own. And three....His crush devoted himself to take care of him, and to dote on him?...He wasn't saying no to that!

Who knows, maybe he'll manage to steal a hug or two here and there...

- Hum...I need to see your leg Kell. So if you could...

- Oh... G-Give me a minute.

The teenager took a deep breath before slowly standing up, he could hear all his muscles screaming under the effort. He quickly clung to the other boy who was hesitating to take over.

- Sweet M-Mew....I feel like I-I'm getting rusty....

The crimson-eyed one inadvertently giggled, making his patient smile, who thankfully didn't have to fight with the outfit because he was floating in it.

Keith made his friend sit up again before starting to remove the bandage protecting his wound. Seeing the state of his leg, Kellyn understood why his friend had so many healing items.

His wound was purplish-blue, his veins, clearly visible, were pulsating strongly while marks of frost covered a good part of the infected flesh... It was a miracle that they hadn't amputated him!

- Yosh~ It's going well. It doesn't look like that but these berries are extremely effective!

- /...Hold on. Does that mean it was worse before?!/

He must have been making a quite weirdly face since the redhead stopped his activity for two seconds.

- Ah yes, it's true that you were unconscious....Although it's for the best. Your leg was a mess when we managed to free it from the ice...Rhy even threw her lunch up poor thing!

-...That m-much? *cough*

- Yup. That much. And you know she has a strong stomach.

The brunet then looked away, ashamed and guilty.

-...S-Sorry...

- It's nothing Kell.It's not your fault, it's not like you hurt yourself on purpose, right?

- No! O-Of course not! *cough*!

Keith rubbed his back affectionately.

- Calm down! Breathe....Come now, don't worry. What matters is that you're okay. Now leave it to me.

The redhead then went back to work, disinfecting the wound before applying a balm, no doubt made up of Aspear berries. Finally, he wrapped the leg in a new bandage, careful not to tighten it too much.

- There you go...~ All new! I'll change it for you in a few hours, okay?

The younger one nodded, making the other boy who was gathering the medical supplies smile.

- Hey, are you hungry?

Kellyn thought for a moment, rubbing his stomach as if to test it.

-...Y-Yes and no....

- I see... It's a good thing your stomach is crying out for food. But, it's true that it must be fragile...Hum....

While weighing the pros and cons, the 12th Top Ranger helped his friend get back under the covers. He sat down next to him, thoughtful.

- Maybe...? Wait for me Kell, I'll be right back.

The redhead rushed out of the room, taking his tray with him and leaving the injured teen alone. The latter couldn't prevent a silly little smile from appearing on his lips.

- /...Keith is taking care of me....It's nice. Hum....I wonder...Would he accept if I dote on him...?/

An image then came to his mind. It represented the both of them on a sofa, the oldest lying down, his head resting on the thighs of the younger one. The latter tenderly running his hand through the fiery hair, while humming a sweet tune....

- /...That would be great if we could....!/

The teenager chuckled softly, amused by his own stupidity. Sweet Mew, did his condition make him that sentimental?

- /....And Fischl? Is she okay?/

That's true. Where was his partner? Was she okay? He wanted to see her...Even though she was most likely going to yell at him like no tomorrow and hug him tight with her new wings...He needed to see her.

The boy stirred a little in his bed, trying to calm his troubled mind which was causing him far too much pain. He sighed tiredly.

He snapped out of his daydream when he heard the door open again. He raised his head a little to identify the intruder who had dared to enter his room.

Imagine his surprise when he realized it was Rhythmi. The small blonde had a pretty relieved smile when she saw him awake.

- P-Platina...?

- He was right, you're awake...!

The Operator rushed to her comrade, hugging him tightly. Tears were starting to roll down her cheeks.

- Don't ever do that again, you hear me?!

- S-Sorry....

The girl pulled back a bit, watching the Top Ranger's pale face. She then entertained herself by putting back a few brown locks in place.

-...Don't apologize, rest and don't let this happen again though, okay?

- I-It's an o-oath. *cough*

The teenager giggled softly before starting to play with her friend's hair. He purred with happiness and sought a little more contact, which she obliged.

-...You know, there's a new gossip circulating at the Union.

- Oh...?

- Humhum.~ About Sven and Keith.

This aroused the curiosity of the boy who innocently tilted his head to the side. Rhythmi found him absolutely adorable like that!

- Yup! In fact, Sven "adopted" our very dear Tomato.

-...H-Huh?

The blonde laughed at Kellyn's incredulous look.

- From what I understand, it's an "unspoken tradition" among senior Top Rangers. They take one or more cadets, to whom they are greatly attached, under their wings. They become their "parents" in a way.

- I see....

- And they are very serious about it! Linda told me that two had once fought over the adoption papers of a young Ranger!

- S-Seriously...?! *cough* *cough*!

- Seriously. To tell you the truth, you too should have been adopted by Sven. But that couldn't happen.

- E-Excuse me?

The Operator leaned towards him, and spoke lower as if to avoid being overheard. Even if it was more for the dramatic side than anything else.

- In fact... You're already a private turf.

-...By who?

- Wendy.

Oddly enough, that didn't surprise him.

- Really...?

- Yup. You should have seen them glaring at each other! Even the chairperson thought it was funny!

- Oh....T-Too bad...

The Operator quieted her laughter before giving the teen a sad smile.

-...You know, everyone is worried about you. Some more than others certainly, but they remain worried. You were close to dying, after all.

She paused a little, as if to collect her thoughts.

-...Keith didn't want to let you go. So much so that it was Sven who had to reluctantly force him to rest and take his mind off it for a while. I took his place during his "break"...And we had agreed on a system of guard so that there was always someone with you. And Wendy...She scoured Almia for the right medications. She takes her role as A "mother" very seriously, haha!

The brunet then buried himself in a shameful silence, feeling guilty for having caused so much trouble to those around him. He felt his friend give him a light flick on the forehead, bringing him out of his torpor.

- I know what you're thinking. And no, you don't have to blame yourself. It's not your fault if Team Dim Sun is willing to assassinate people in order to reach their goal.

The boy couldn't suppress a chuckle, and it made the golden-eyed one smile.

- So prepare to be overwhelmed with affection in the hours that follow. Because I doubt very much that Keith's enthusiasm is not contagious.

-...Should I be afraid of it?

- Maybe.

The two let the silence accompany them for a while before the younger decided to break it.

-...And Fischl? H-Have you heard from her?

The blonde gave him a reassuring smile.

- She's fine, don't worry. She woke up 2-3 days after your return. Although she had a little trouble getting around at first, she absolutely wanted to see you. She was the one who stayed by your side during the night....Oh, I think I have a picture, let me check.

She took out a small device from her pocket, and lit it: a Pokegear of a pretty pink color. She searched through her files for a few seconds before emitting a little cry of satisfaction.

- Haha! Here it is! Look!

Rhythmi then handed her device to the brunet so he could get a better view. The latter emitted an adorable sound of awe when he saw the famous picture.

On it was the Staraptor comfortably settled against his inert body, her head resting close to his. He winced as he saw the scar across the right side of her forehead. But luckily, her eye didn't seem to have been injured.

-...She r-really stayed with me h-huh...?

- Of course! What do you think, Chocolate? You know very well that she would be able to fistfight both Arceus and Giratina to protect you!

This made the sick teenager laugh, nearly giving him a serious chest ache in the process.

- It's...so t-true...!

- I know, huh? Come now, calm down. Otherwise you will choke.

She rubbed his back affectionately, to help him catch his breath. The latter gave her a smile of gratitude in return.

- Anyway, apart from that she takes flying lessons with Wendy.

- Ah really? W-Why?

- I guess it's because she wants you to be able to fully enjoy your future air travel without fear, and maybe to also become stronger. Even though I don't understand what she's saying, I know from a reliable source that she feels guilty for not being able to protect you.

The boy's eyes filled with guilt.

- She s-shouldn't....S-She's so strong and determined....She's already s-suffered so much because of me...I don't want to worry her any more...

- Kellyn, we already had this discussion. Don't badmouth yourself. It will do you no good and I will trap you in a cocoon of affection.

The Operator flicked him on the forehead so that her words wouldn't leave his thick skull. The Ranger therefore fell silent, preferring not to provoke his friend. The latter smirked.

- Good boy.

She stroked his head gently as if to show him that everything would be fine. That's when the door opened again revealing Keith who was carefully carrying a tray on which was placed a steaming bowl and a spoon.

- Hey Kell! I'm back!- Oh, hi Rhy!

- Heiya Tomato. I was wondering why you were in such a rush earlier, but now I get it. All right, I'll leave you. Rest well Chocolate.

The one with the golden eyes hugged Kellyn one last time before starting to head for the exit, not forgetting to give him a knowing wink. The brunet immediately understood and chuckled, catching the redhead's attention.

- What are you two up to?

- N-Nothing. But you could have even told me that y-you had gotten yourself a n-new father!

The oldest of the trio blushed violently and nearly knocked over the tray.

- H-How did you- RHYTHMI!!!!

The teen burst out laughing before sticking out her tongue very maturely at her friend.

- I don't know what you're talking about!~

The two then began to falsely argue, one trying not to look embarrassed and the other digging his grave for. Kellyn smiled at this innocent scene which soothed his poor heavy heart.

How pleasant it was to live.

----------------------------

Kellyn: *just woke up from his near death experience*

Keith: I'm gonna spoil you like no tomorrow, and I won't take "No" as an answer!

------------------------

Rhythmi: You do know that Keith's affection is nothing compared to what we're about to give you?

Kellyn: I know. And it scares me to death.